A new study reveals that males who work in stressful environments are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease...
Digital Desk: A new study published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes reveals that work stress can have a negative impact on men's heart health, especially when challenging working conditions are not matched with adequate compensation.
The survey included 6,500 Canadian white-collar employees with an average age of 45.
The researchers found that "the impact of job strain and effort-reward imbalance combined was similar to the magnitude of the impact of obesity on the risk of coronary heart disease."
Workplace stress can also cause plaque buildup and an increase in blood pressure, both of which can harm the heart. Mindfulness, exercise, meditation, and stress-relieving hobbies can all help keep cardiac problems in check.
If defined why men are more prone to work stress than women, Dr. Subhendu Mohanty, Head Cardiologist at Sharda Hospital said, "Men may be prone to certain types of work-related stress, which may increase the risk of heart problems in some situations. It's important to remember that everyone reacts differently to stress and that other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health all have a significant impact on heart health."
Dr. Mohanty further stated, "Men and women frequently work in environments and professions that differ from one another. Men may be more at risk for chronic stress in some select industries with high levels of stress, such as finance, law enforcement, and so on, due to the demands of the job or the culture of the company."
Moving on with some other aspects, Dr Amar Singhal, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute said, "The connection between work-related stress and its negative impact on health has become increasingly clear, and a recent study highlighting the potential doubling of heart disease risk in men emphasises the importance of addressing this issue. This study sheds light on a troubling correlation that requires serious attention from both individuals and organisations."
"Stress, particularly chronic stress, can cause a variety of negative physiological responses in the body, such as elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet and lack of exercise. In the context of men's heart health, these factors can collectively contribute to a higher risk of heart disease," Dr Singhal says.
How do men deal with workplace stress?
"Workplace stress must be controlled. You may be aware of the emotional and physical signs of stress, which might include fatigue, irritability, headaches, muscular tension, and difficulty concentrating. Early recognition of these signs can help with treatment. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise often. Physical health has a tremendous impact on mental well-being. Regularly, assess your stress levels and the effectiveness of your coping techniques. "Adjust your strategy as needed," adds Dr. Mohanty.
"Employees can benefit greatly from encouraging breaks, implementing stress-reduction programmes, and establishing a work-life balance culture. "In addition, individuals must prioritise self-care and recognise the importance of seeking help when feeling overwhelmed," Dr Singhal advises.
Measure that Men need to take to avoid stress-
"Men must protect their hearts because they are more likely than women to develop heart disease. Exercise is beneficial in terms of maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, and improving cardiovascular health. As part of a heart-healthy diet, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of heart disease. Determine your Body Mass Index (BMI) and try to keep it within the recommended range. High cholesterol levels can raise the risk of developing heart disease. Get regular cholesterol checks, and work with your doctor to keep your cholesterol levels stable through diet, exercise, and, if required, medication. "Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night," advises Dr. Mohanty.
"In the final analysis, the study's findings serve as a clear indication that work stress is more than just a mental health issue; it also poses a significant threat to physical well-being, particularly in men. To address this issue thoroughly, individuals, companies, and healthcare providers must work together to lower the burden of heart disease and enhance overall health," explains Dr Singhal.
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